Cannot install printer

[natalie g]

I have a hp printer that i cannot install on my computer(windows vista) i've had the printer for 2 yrs. worked great until a month ago, i couldn't find the printer on my computer it disappeared! i get this message when i try to install it: "Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device.Windows found driver software for your device but encountered an error while attemting to install it.Hp deskjet F4100 series.One of the installers for this device cannot perform the installation at this time." i don't know if it's my computer or the printer but the print spooler keeps stopping. if any one knows how to fix it PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

 

[EPAlbino]

If the printer has a USB connection, disconnect it, uninstall the driver (if it still exists), reinstall with the latest driver (download it from HP). When asked to plug in the USB, plug it back in. DO NOT TRY TO INSTALL THE PRINTER WITH IT PLUGGED IN. HP printers have serious issues when plugging them in prior to being instructed to do so. Microsoft operating systems (XP, Vista, 7) try loading their drivers for the printer if plugged in before the driver from HP is installed. These drivers conflict with HPs drivers and it's a mess to fix.